Feasibility study due to arrive soon

The results of the gasification feasibility study report is due to be to the Montmorency-Oscoda-Alpena Solid Waste Management Authority in the next two weeks. The report could be the first step of the landfill building and operation one of the alternate energy facilities.

Board member Paul Wingate told the board about a recent bill that was signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm that included gasification as an acknowledged source of energy. The new bill could make grant monies available to the landfill to help with the construction costs.

In other news.

• the board reviewed and approved newly drafted personal policy and position procedures manuals on Friday with changes in how employees earn vacation time and personal days the board adopted the final draft of the handbook.

• the procedure manual outlines landfill workers positions' while explaining in detail there duties and responsibilities.

• the authority also discussed what to do about the growing number of items that use freon being brought to the facility. It costs the landfill $55 an hour to have someone come in to dispose of the freon and there are at least 33 refrigerators on the grounds as of Friday.

• the landfill's compactor suffered a breakdown that hindered the landfill for about a week, as the employees had to use dowsers to compact the refuge until the part arrived and repairs were made.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.